Unit Highlight--STEM
Pack 449 took September through January to work on the Technology portion of the new STEM program introduced last year in Scouting. There are multiple levels of the Stem program for Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Venturing Crews
The pack started with conversation about some advances in technology of tools; i.e. handsaws vs. circular saws, coping saws vs. Dremels, or jig saws, C-clamps vs. quick release clamps, etc.
Then, they had a conversation led by two expert parents, on “Keep your Body Healthy” & “Cooking and Eating”. They integrated into their presentation advancements in medical technology in the care of patients and the advancement of food technology for proper nutrition and excellent health.
They also went on a bowling field trip to complete the Scout’s bowling belt loop. The boys came up with interesting ideas of how they could improve bowling alley technology, like a hand scanner for a proper fitting ball, or punching a button and a ball would automatically be at the lane for the bowler.
Next was a presentation by a parent who showed the advancement in computer technology in just the last five years.
He brought in a desk computer that the boys looked inside and discussed the components that make up a computer.
One of the most fun parts was the trip to the Milwaukee Public Museum and their special exhibit “Pirates”. They focused on lasers, CT scans, x-rays, a proton precision magnetometer, and diving gear, concretions and a process called electrolytic reduction. The Pack discussed how this related to their presentation and ho the changing technology of transportation in the last 300 years. They compared how the Whydah pirate ship was cutting transport technology of its’ day and only 40 years ago man first walked on moon. As a result one 2nd grader read a 300 page book “Treasure Island.”
To finish the badge, one Scout watched National Geographic show on history of the Titanic; location, discovery, technology of the construction, and the theories of how it sank. The Scout asked Santa for a model of the Titanic for Christmas.
As a result, parents were as interested in the experience as the scouts.They also enjoyed seeing that scouting had new and fresh ideas.
The Pack can’t wait for “Swing” part of STEM. They plan to have each scout build their own catapult.
